Aston Villa have been handed another selection headache ahead of their Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest, with João Gomes unavailable because of suspension.
The midfielder will miss the upcoming clash after serving the consequences of the red card he received during Villa’s heavy defeat to Brighton earlier in the season. His absence is a significant blow for Unai Emery, particularly with the midfielder beginning to establish himself as an important option in the centre of the team.
Gomes was sent off against Brighton following a VAR review, with the decision upgraded to a straight red card for serious foul play. The incident came during a difficult afternoon for Villa, who were already struggling to contain Brighton before Gomes was dismissed. The disciplinary decision subsequently triggered a three-match suspension.
That ban has now left Gomes watching from the sidelines while his teammates prepare for another important Premier League fixture.
For Villa, the timing could hardly be more frustrating.
The club have endured a difficult beginning to the domestic campaign, and Emery has been searching for the right balance in midfield while integrating several new players. Gomes was brought in to provide energy, defensive intensity and physical presence, qualities that can become particularly valuable in a demanding Premier League contest.
His absence means Emery must once again adjust his midfield plans.
The situation is especially noteworthy because Gomes has already shown that he can contribute beyond simply protecting the defence. His ability to press opponents, compete for loose balls and cover ground gives Villa another dimension when they are trying to regain possession.
Without him, other midfield options will be expected to take on additional responsibility.
Villa have nevertheless received encouragement from their European campaign. The team recently recorded an important 3-2 victory away against Club Brugge in the Champions League, producing a much sharper attacking display after a difficult domestic start. John McGinn, Emi Buendía and Nicolas Jackson were on the scoresheet as Villa secured their first win of the season.
However, the Nottingham Forest match presents an entirely different challenge.
Forest have shown that they can make life uncomfortable for opponents, and their recent results have included draws against Tottenham and Liverpool. That makes Villa’s midfield battle particularly important, with Emery needing his available players to match Forest’s intensity and prevent the visitors from controlling the middle of the pitch.
Gomes’ suspension therefore goes beyond losing one player from the team sheet.
It removes an option who can bring physicality and aggression to midfield at a time when Villa need consistency. The club have already dealt with other fitness concerns, meaning squad depth will be tested again.
The Brazilian midfielder’s suspension stems from the disciplinary incident against Brighton rather than an injury, meaning his absence is temporary. Reports indicate that he is expected to return once the suspension has been completed.
For Emery, the immediate priority is finding a solution that allows Villa to maintain their momentum after the encouraging Champions League result.
The manager will also know that another difficult Premier League performance could increase pressure on the squad, particularly after Villa struggled to score in their opening domestic fixtures.
Gomes, meanwhile, will have to watch from the sidelines as Villa attempt to collect another crucial result.
The midfielder’s suspension is an unwanted reminder of how quickly disciplinary incidents can affect a team’s plans. One moment against Brighton has now forced Emery to navigate several matches without a player he had hoped would become an important part of Villa’s midfield.
With Nottingham Forest next on the Premier League schedule, Aston Villa will have to find a way forward without him.
And for Gomes, the message is clear: once his suspension ends, he will need to make sure the next chapter of his Villa career is remembered for his performances rather than the red card that temporarily removed him from the action.
